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Tempe Beach Park: An Urban Oasis

A historic and lively park in Tempe, AZ, offering recreation, events, and beautiful lakeside views for all ages.

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Tempe Beach Park, a verdant 25-acre space in the heart of Tempe, Arizona, offers a refreshing escape with its scenic paths, picnic spots, and water recreation on Tempe Town Lake. Once home to Arizona's first Olympic-sized swimming pool, the park has evolved into a popular venue for events, festivals, and outdoor activities.

A brief summary to Tempe Beach Park

Local tips

  • Check the City of Tempe's website for event schedules, as Tempe Beach Park hosts many festivals and concerts throughout the year.
  • Bring sunscreen and a hat, especially during the summer months, as shade can be limited.
  • Consider renting a kayak or paddleboard to enjoy Tempe Town Lake from a unique perspective.
  • Take advantage of the walking and biking paths that loop around the lake for a scenic workout.
  • Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the many picnic areas, and utilize the available grills for a cookout.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    Tempe Beach Park is accessible via Valley Metro Rail and several bus routes. From the Mill Ave/3rd St light rail station, it's a short walk north towards Rio Salado Parkway. Several bus routes, including 48 and 66, stop near the park. A one-ride fare on Valley Metro is $2.00. The Tempe Streetcar also has a stop at Tempe Beach Park and costs $1 per ride.

  • Walking

    From downtown Tempe and Mill Avenue, Tempe Beach Park is easily accessible by foot. Head north towards Rio Salado Parkway, and you'll find the park entrance. The walk from Mill Avenue is generally flat and takes about 5-10 minutes.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft provide convenient access to Tempe Beach Park. A short trip from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to Tempe Beach Park typically costs $17-$22 and takes about 6 minutes. Drop-off points are readily available near the park entrance.

  • Driving

    If driving, several parking options are available near Tempe Beach Park. The Tempe Beach Park surface lot charges $2 per hour from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday; parking is free at all other times. Other nearby parking garages, such as the 201 S Ash Garage and Hayden Ferry Lakeside Parking Garage, offer alternative options. During special events, parking rates may increase to $20 per day in designated lots. Overflow parking is available at the dirt lot on the northwest corner of Rio Salado Parkway and Hardy Drive.

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Discover more about Tempe Beach Park

Tempe Beach Park, a cornerstone of the Tempe community since the early 1920s, provides a vibrant recreational space for locals and visitors alike. Originally featuring Arizona's first Olympic-sized swimming pool built in 1923, the park quickly became a popular destination, hosting national swim meets and offering respite during the Great Depression. Over the years, Tempe Beach Park has adapted to the changing times, incorporating a baseball diamond, an open-air movie theater, and even a cobblestone bathhouse. Today, the 25-acre park boasts a variety of amenities, including over five miles of walking and biking paths, picnic areas, and the Luis Gonzalez Arizona Diamondbacks Field of Dreams baseball diamond. The Splash Playground offers a safe and fun water experience for children, while Tempe Town Lake provides opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating. The park also hosts numerous events throughout the year, such as the Ford Ironman Arizona, Rock 'n' Roll Marathon, and the Tempe Festival of the Arts. Located on the south shore of Tempe Town Lake, Tempe Beach Park is not only a recreational hub but also a cultural venue. Its central location in downtown Tempe makes it easily accessible and a popular gathering place for community events and celebrations. Whether you're looking to relax by the lake, enjoy a picnic with family, or participate in one of the many events held here, Tempe Beach Park offers something for everyone.

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